I have chosen a photo for this Blog of 3 students who studied hospitality at the famous Cornell University in Ithaka, New York.
At the time, when this photo was taken, the first one had a clear plan and agenda. He would work a few more years abroad to gain experience in the international hotel industry and then return to his country to take over the hotel of his family.
The second one made the decision to stay abroad and to become a successful international hotelier, which he did. He became Corporate Director Operations for a top luxury chain and also Board Member. However a BLACK SWAN appeared and he faced life-and health challenges which forced him to make adjustments in his plan. Out of a personal vision he started a company, which he shaped into a well known leader in the global wellness arena.
The third one´s dream and vision were a simple. He wanted to become a hotel General Manager, see the world and experience different cultures. He also set out to retire at age 55. At the time, he was studying at Cornell University he had already worked at a famous hotel in NYC and a luxury hotel in the Caribbean. He would not only become a General Manager but would be promoted to higher positions up to CEO of a Kuwait based company.
All three had very different ideas how their careers would develop, but they all had an initial plan and goal. You may ask, what this has to do with the difference between an Entrepreneurship and being company man or company woman. An entrepreneur is someone, who takes full ownership with all the risks involved including that he or she is also responsible for the employees in the respective company. The Entrepreneur is not only responsible for all business results includinh the GOP of his or her hotel but for the buttom line, the profit and the losses.
A company man or woman in any level and position, from the Steward to the General Manager has, comparatively spoken, fewer responsibilities and most can sleep relatively relaxed, knowing that the next paycheck will come. I am simplifying this here because I know that quite a few career hoteliers and corporate leaders will not necessarily agree with me, but I have seen colleagues and friends who became self-employed Entrepreneurs struggling and even failing. Entrepreneurship is a completely different ballgame than being employed in a company, whatever his or her position and status may be. As an Entrepreneur You are 100% on your own and more though, You cannot simply quit and leave. Career Hoteliers have the option to quit and look for new ventures relatively easy and I know many of them. There is almost always employment to be found in the world of hospitality and quality managers in the top 5 star segment can afford to be choose. There are reasons for this beyond how good of a job You do.
Hotel Career Consultants is a specialist in Career Management. We know, that every person has completely individual and different desires, choices, skillsets, expectations, dreams and ambitions. It is our Vision to help creating a sustainable and realistic career plan. It is our mission to help and advise You to make the right choices and also to be there, when things do not work out as planned. Timely adjustments are part of the journey. Recognizing the changing tide is important. Equally important is, to say NO to an offer, as attractive it may seem and not to work for a toxic company. (Yes, they are outthere).
So, if You are set to become an Entrepreneur, You have made your choice and I wish You all the success in the world. However if You are undecided, sent Your questions or make an appointment and I am happy to ask You the right questions to make a informed decision.
Coming to an end of this rather short segment let me make a final statement. If You decide to beome a company man or company woman, treat your career just as an Entrepreneur would treat his business. Try to develop an “Entrepreneurial Spirit”. Treat your time and work as a real investment in an Enterprise, which will last 30-40 years and at the end of that enterprise You should have a sizable investment which should allow You to live comfortably and independent from your Social Security. That one should only be the “Icing on the Cake”.
If You have questions, contact us. Good luck in your career !